
Hot Schmaltz Orchestra started in 1987 around a Shabbas table. Three musicians, all new to the community, who happen to be invited for lunch at the home of Kenny and Ethne Katz, started discussing the lack of music in the Jewish Day schools. Finding out that we all played instruments we later met to jam. Marilyn Kay, Laura Kostant and Ed Grossman formed what is now Hot Schmaltz Orchestra. Marilyn offered to teach recorder classes to all of our children and from that came the Valley Jewish Children's Orchetra which existed for 5 years. Approximately 20 valley children learned to play instruments and were mentored in concerts by the members of Hot Schmaltz.
The name Hot Schmaltz was suggested by Janet Statman, our original violin player. We all liked it right away. Gene Beck was the original trombone player,Harlin Steel on clarinet, Marilyn Kay on flute, Laura Kostant on viola, Adam Freedman on Tof, Joy Freedman on flute, Alon Winkler on Vocals, Ed Grossman on piano/ conductuing and Mitch Honig on piano.
From this one Shabbas Hot Schmaltz has played concerts throughout the Los Angeles Valley and City enriching the lives of children and adults alike. From banquets, weddings, schools events, graduations and carnivals, Hot Schmaltz continues to enrich our Community with music.
Current and past members:
Gene Beck- Trombone
Julie Benarouse- Guitar
Joyce Burstein- Violin
Ruthie Brody- Flute
Art Csillag- Trumpet
Tzvi Forman- Saxaphone
Adam Freedman- Tov
Joy Freedman- Flute
Ed Grossman- Piano, Conductor
Mitch Honig- Piano
Laura Kostant - Viola
Marilyn Kay- Flute, Conductor
Jim Leserman- Clarinet
Julie Levine- Trumpet, Conductor
Dave Loppini- Trumpet
Michelle Luger- Piano
David McLess- Conductor
Loren Nizinski- Bass and electric guitar
David Paller-Percussion
Devorah Perchik- Flute
Dianna Plotke- Trombone
Steve Rizes- Violin B
Ben Schuraytz- Violin
Michy Sela- Violin
Janet Stateman- Violin
Henner Tair- Percussion